A new study by the American Institute of Architects and the Associated General Contractors of America focuses on improving the relationship between architects and contractors.
The fifth edition of The Architect’s Journey to Specification explores how the parties align, differ, and depend on each other. Major findings include:
- A majority of architects and contractors want to work more collaboratively for the benefit of all.
- Successful relationships benefit from mutual understandings and alignment about client advocacy and the purpose of substitutions.
- Transparency and communication are key to building more trusted working relationships for the benefit of all parties and the built environment.
- Earlier collaboration and more clarity around design intent is likely to set projects up for success for all parties.
“This report is a first step towards fostering greater understanding between architects and contractors,” said AIA EVP/Chief Executive Officer Lakisha Ann Woods in a news release. “Ultimately, we hope it will help them to improve their working relationships, achieve even greater success on their projects, and build a better world.”
Related Stories
Building Team | May 3, 2016
Piazza in San Francisco will feature a 92-foot stainless steel statue
Made of 2,500 seamlessly-welded panels, Venus will be the centerpiece of a new public piazza containing other works of art.
Building Team | Apr 6, 2016
Evaluating the value proposition of project vendors
CBRE Healthcare's Daniel Waters has a few pointers for Request for Proposal (RFP) writers and Project Managers when it comes to handling project vendors, including clearly defining performance expectations.
Building Team | Feb 25, 2016
Long-time BD+C editor Gordon Wright, 1939-2016
Gordon Wright, whose career at BD+C spanned 32 years, passed away on February 15, at the age of 76.
Building Team | Feb 10, 2016
DBIA disputes study claiming design-build projects often delivered on time, over budget
Says study did not account for owner-initiated scope changes.
Building Team | Jan 7, 2016
4 reasons the C-suite should care about design-led construction
Lou Astorino shares four examples how a unified approach can directly help C-suite leaders achieve their organizational goals.
Sponsored | Building Team | Dec 16, 2015
How to fix 3 common mistakes AEC teams make in project interviews
In a LinkedIn post, Scott Johnson, business writing specialist at Johnson Training Group, highlights three common missteps that AEC firms make during project interviews. His insights are based on more than 90 interviews conducted with members of various selection panels.
Sponsored | Building Team | Dec 7, 2015
Why employee advocacy is key to social media success
Employee advocacy is key to boosting social media engagement, and employee advocacy is about more than just the promotion of a firm’s brand.
Sponsored | Building Team | Nov 30, 2015
5 ways to bring data into marketing and business development
Here are five ways to use data to enhance the client acquisition process
Cultural Facilities | Nov 23, 2015
BIG plans for Pittsburgh: Bjarke Ingels’ Lower Hill District master plan evokes hilly topography
Paths will be carved to create a dialogue between Pittsburgh’s urbanscape and its hilly surroundings.
Sponsored | Building Team | Nov 17, 2015
The benefits of selling your firm to employees
One business advisor recommends professional services businesses to develop a group of employees who are willing and able to buy the business
